Borneo states in spotlight

Ongoing focus on development and rights under 12MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Focus will continue to be given to the development of regions in Sabah and Sarawak through projects and initiatives in the 12th Malaysia Plan, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the government has proven its commitment to tackling issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which includes transferring electricity regulatory powers to the state government.

Through the transfer of power, which is expected to be finalised by January next year, the Sabah government will have the authority to regulate the supply of gas and electricity, he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Anwar added that renewable energy development projects as well as upgrades to the Gugusan Felda Sahabat electricity supply system will be carried out to improve electricity supply in the state.

“The project, costing RM195mil, will benefit communities in these areas as well as those in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) area.

“Sabah also has big potential in the production of renewable energy through solar and biomass (projects) to address challenges related to energy and electricity supply in the future,” he said in tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Sarawak took a step forward in the energy transition process with various measures such as hydrogen production, catching and utilising, storing carbon, and electricity generation projects through the use of renewable energy.

“The state’s success in managing this energy transition should be used as an example by other states,” he said.

In efforts to improve the quality of education in both Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar said more projects will be implemented to rebuild dilapidated school buildings.

“A total of 64 projects are currently being carried out in Sarawak with another 43 in Sabah,” he added.

A regional blood centre will also be built in Sabah while a public health laboratory and a food quality and security laboratory will be built in Kuching, Anwar said.